Testimonials

“At a time when our basic school was upgrading its facilities, the Environmental Health Foundation saw the need, came on board and made a worthwhile contribution of which we are very thankful. We wish the foundation all the best in the coming months and years as they continue to make a difference in the lives of the needy children in our society.” (Mrs. Gloria Walker – Chairperson, Property Committee, Torrington United Church).

“We are grateful for the support from Dr. Lowe and the Environmental Health Foundation, without this support we would not be able to impact the lives of students at risk in Papine High, Mona High and Jamaica College. Through this project our student leaders are exposed to practical leadership experiences, and for this the university is grateful.” (Eslyn Jones - Assistant Registrar, Student Services, University of Technology).

“EHF sponsors one of the scientific sessions of the University Diabetes Outreach Project (UDOP) Annual Conference. This helps in the delivery of information re best practices worldwide and so assists in improving knowledge and healthcare delivery mainly in Jamaica and the Caribbean. The information shared is aimed not only at the healthcare team; but also at persons (with chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus), their family, friends and support groups (NGOs).” (Prof. Errol Morrison – President, University of Technology).

"One of the debilitating factors affecting our youths is illicit drug abuse, creating a crippling effect on Jamaica’s social and economic progress. The issue of cocaine abuse is a key area of interest for the UWI YAM Research Group having done extensive biochemical research to tackle this problem. The Environmental Health Foundation has been one of our redoubtable partners over the years, making contributions through grant funding and guidance, as we work toward an effective model for the treatment of cocaine addiction. Without the assistance of the Foundation, crucial research activities, which form part of the project, would not have been possible. We therefore commend the Foundation for its support to the project, and for its dedication towards wellness and healthy lifestyles.” (Project Investigators: Professor Helen Asemota, Dr. Andrew Wheatley and Dr. Perceval Bahado-Singh - UWI/EHF Nutritional Supplement Project).

“At a time when the need was identified for resource materials for our young children, The Environmental Health Foundation initiated the donation of thousands of well needed early childhood books to our organization for distribution to early childhood institutions across Jamaica. The books provide our children with age-appropriate developmental materials which augment the curriculum by teaching children the importance of healthy lifestyle choices from an early age. We are confident that these books will help to create a healthier Jamaica through our young citizens.” (Richard Williams – Regional and Community Intervention Coordinator, Early Childhood Commission).

“The Environmental Health Foundation (EHF) was an integral partner in the implementation of the BvLF  Inner-City Child Support Project- Jamaica.  EHF coordinated the management and delivery of the Roving Caregivers and Nutrition Programme.  These components formed part of a broader programme designed to “improve the educational, health, nutritional status and care and protection of children aged 0-6 in 12 inner-city communities in Kingston and St. Andrew.  It also complements initiatives implemented by the Government of Jamaican to promote early childhood development”.

Under the EHF watch Roving Caregivers made home visits and engaged children 0-3 years of age and their parents in early stimulation exercises and improved parental practices.  Workshops were also held in which parents and early childhood practitioners were trained in improved nutritional and parenting practices.  This supplemented the work of the Roving Caregivers and promoted sustainability of programme initiatives.

EHF efforts ensured that some 24 Roving Caregivers were trained and 600 children (aged 0-3) and 200 parents in 16 communities (Tavern, Sandhurst, Barbican, Standpipe, Kingston Gardens, Arnette Gardens, Jones Town, Allman Town, Fletchers Land, Greenwich Town, Bennett Land, Payne Land, Rose Town, Swallowfield, Cedar Valley and Whitfield Town)  benefitted from early stimulation learning techniques under the roving caregivers programme while another 3,600 children are still benefitting from improved nutrition, meal preparation methodology and healthy lifestyle techniques through the training of their teachers, kitchen staff and  parents.

The EHF also effectively managed the successful programme collaboration in the delivery of the programme with the Hope for Children Development the Company (HCDC),  the Voluntary Organization for the Upliftment of Children (VOUCH), Heather Little White and Associates, The Rural Family Support Organization (FUFAMSO), Principals and staff of 60 Basic Schools and other stakeholders.   According to an independent external evaluator of the Programme, the EHF achieved an impressive 100% success rate in fulfilling the objectives of the project.

Much Thanks and acknowledgement are extended to the Bernard van Leer Foundation (BVLF) and the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica (EFJ) for providing funding support for the programme.  The Programme Manager commends the EHF for its commitment, inputs of cash and kind, the professionalism of its staff and especially for a job well done.” (Daniel Gordon – Project Manager, BvLF Kingston Inner City Child Support Project - Phase II 2006 - 2009).